MK 46 - 30mm Gun Weapon System

DescriptionThe Mark 46 GWS is a remotely operated naval gun system that uses a 30mm high velocity cannon, a forward looking infrared sensor, a low light television camera, and a laser rangefinder for shipboard self-defense against small, high speed surface targets. The gun can be operated locally at the gun turret or remotely at the remote operating console in the Combat Information Center (LPD 17 & DDG 1000 classes)/Mission Control Center (LCS class).

BackgroundThe requirements documents for the DDG 1000, LPD 17 and LCS ship programs included the need for weapons systems capable of defeating small, fast, highly maneuverable surface craft. The Mark 46 GWS was selected to provide these ships a capability against small surface craft. The Mark 46 GWS is permanently installed aboard LPD 17 class ships. It is part of the Navy designed and developed surface warfare mission module for LCS class ships.

The Mark 46 Mod 2 GWS incorporates new open architecture, fault isolation software and an embedded trainer. The embedded trainer allows the operator to perform training exercises from the remote console without operating or supplying power to the turret.

Range: 4,400 yards - max effective range for full caliber ammunition. Effective range can be extended with sub-caliber munitions. Rate of Fire: 200 rounds/minute. Modes of fire: single round, five-round burst, or fully automatic. Gun may be fired locally at the gun mount or remotely from the Combat Information Center.